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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has dismissed talk of a rift with $28 million striker Robbie Keane, who has struggled to make his mark at Anfield since his arrival from Tottenham.

Robbie Keane has scored seven goals in 27 appearances this season.

Robbie Keane will remain at Liverpool because Benitez still has faith in Keane being an important member of his squad.

Rafa Benitez said: “Everyone is now important for us. We have a lot of games to play in the coming weeks, in the league, cup and Europe.

“We will need everyone. People may not always play, but two weeks later we may have an injury and then we need them.

“Everyone, including Robbie, is training well. He has experience and hopefully he will be an important player for us.

“When Fernando Torres was injured, Robbie was working hard and doing well. If he can continue to do this we will not have any doubts over his quality.

“People are talking too much about Keane. It was just one decision about one player, he wasn’t in the squad.

“He had a day off on Sunday like the rest of the players who were not involved in the game. He trained on Monday, he trained today and he will be in the squad at Wigan.

“It is nothing to do with whether he talked to me about the situation. Every player has trained very hard this week, as has Robbie, and he will be in the squad.

“Robbie is a good player, we knew that when we signed him. Maybe he is not playing at his best level, but he wants to fight for his position.

“He must be available and ready for every game. To do that he must work hard and then if we consider he can give us something, then we will use him, no problem.